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    Wait

    by Burnham, Gabriella
    “Wait” by Gabriella Burnham is a coming-of-age novel set on Nantucket Island, focusing on two Brazilian American sisters, Elise and Sophie. After their undocumented mother is deported, the sisters navigate complex family dynamics, identity, and self-sufficiency amidst socioeconomic challenges. The narrative explores themes of immigration, belonging, and resilience in a nuanced portrayal of contemporary American life.
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    Part III: The Main House Chapter 2

    by Burnham, Gabriella

    In this chap­ter, She­ba invites Elise and Sophie to the main house for din­ner, cit­ing the supe­ri­or sound sys­tem, cozi­er couch­es, and bet­ter pantry selec­tion as rea­sons to gath­er there instead of the guest house. Sophie, relieved from her din­ner shift, agrees to join, while Elise, delayed by lack of ser­vice, arrives lat­er to find the two already cook­ing cacio e pepe togeth­er. The atmos­phere is warm and inti­mate, marked by match­ing aprons, jazz music, and thought­ful table set­tings, which elic­it a sense of grown-up sophis­ti­ca­tion and com­fort among the friends.

    The con­ver­sa­tion shifts to plans for a night out at a bar, despite Sophie being under­age. She­ba offers to pro­vide a fake ID and a wig for Sophie, who is eager to break free from the monot­o­ny of home life and expe­ri­ence some­thing dif­fer­ent. Elise express­es skep­ti­cism about the plan, high­light­ing the risks and the dif­fi­cul­ty of Sophie pass­ing as some­one else, but Sophie is deter­mined, bol­stered by She­ba’s sup­port and con­nec­tions at the local bar. This inter­ac­tion reveals the char­ac­ters’ long­ing for free­dom and the ten­sions between respon­si­bil­i­ty and rebel­lion.

    She­ba leads them to her expan­sive walk-in clos­et, a con­vert­ed office filled with lux­u­ri­ous cloth­ing and hid­den com­part­ments, where she helps Sophie select an out­fit that suits her tastes and per­son­al­i­ty. Their detailed dis­cus­sion about pref­er­ences and styles under­scores the care and cama­raderie shared among the trio. Elise, mean­while, is left to reflect qui­et­ly on the sur­round­ings and the sub­tle inti­ma­cies of Sheba’s per­son­al space, dis­cov­er­ing a poet­ry book and observ­ing the play­ful dynam­ics between She­ba and Sophie through the clos­et door.

    The chap­ter clos­es on a ten­der note as Sophie tries on var­i­ous dress­es for a fash­ion show judged by Elise, cap­tur­ing a moment of youth­ful excite­ment and sis­ter­ly bond­ing. The scene is punc­tu­at­ed by laugh­ter and light­heart­ed­ness, high­light­ing themes of friend­ship, iden­ti­ty explo­ration, and the bit­ter­sweet tran­si­tion from ado­les­cence to adult­hood. This snap­shot of their evening encap­su­lates both the joy and com­plex­i­ty of their rela­tion­ships with­in the main house’s invit­ing yet charged envi­ron­ment.

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    FAQs

    • 1. How does the setting of the main house contribute to the atmosphere and dynamics of the dinner scene in Chapter 2?

      Answer:
      The main house setting plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of the dinner scene. It offers a more comfortable and sociable environment compared to the guest house, with a better sound system, cozier couches, and a larger food pantry. These elements create an inviting and relaxed ambiance that encourages intimacy and camaraderie among Sheba, Sophie, and Elise. The use of cloth napkins, a gravy boat for salad dressing, and upbeat jazz music elevates the experience, making it feel “very adult,” as Elise observes. This setting also facilitates the unfolding of relationships and plans, such as Sophie’s desire to go out and Sheba’s willingness to help her with a fake ID, highlighting the interplay of responsibility, rebellion, and sisterly support.

      2. What do Sheba’s and Sophie’s interactions reveal about their personalities and their relationship with Elise?

      Answer:
      Sheba and Sophie’s interactions reveal a dynamic mix of care, rebellion, and support. Sheba appears confident and nurturing, taking charge of cooking and offering solutions like the fake ID and wig to help Sophie experience nightlife despite her age. Sophie shows a desire for independence and excitement, expressing frustration with staying home and eagerness to try new things. Their playful banter and shared secrets suggest a close-knit relationship, though Elise feels somewhat excluded from their prearranged plans, indicating a subtle tension or difference in perspective. Elise’s role as the “judge” in the fashion show and her observations about their closeness emphasize her position as an observer and sometimes outsider, which adds depth to the group’s dynamic.

      3. How does the chapter explore the theme of growing up and the transition from adolescence to adulthood?

      Answer:
      The chapter explores growing up through the characters’ actions and conversations about age, responsibility, and freedom. Sophie’s eagerness to go to bars despite being underage represents the tension between adolescence and the desire for adult experiences. Sheba’s willingness to provide a fake ID and a wig to help Sophie navigate this transition shows a protective but enabling older sibling role. Elise’s reflections on past times when they went out dancing and her cautious attitude contrast with Sophie’s rebelliousness, highlighting different stages and attitudes toward maturity. The setting itself—using adult dining elements and jazz music—symbolizes the allure and complexity of adulthood, making the characters’ navigation of these boundaries a central theme.

      4. In what ways does the detailed description of Sheba’s walk-in closet and clothing choices contribute to character development?

      Answer:
      The walk-in closet scene deepens our understanding of Sheba’s personality and lifestyle. The closet, once an unused office, now a luxurious space with a royal-blue sofa and mechanical clothing system, reflects Sheba’s taste for elegance and perhaps a desire to create a personal sanctuary. The variety and quality of her clothes, including silk blouses and sequins, suggest sophistication and attention to self-presentation. Her candid remark about washing underwear during her period humanizes her, balancing glamour with authenticity. The process of selecting an outfit for Sophie, with attention to Sophie’s preferences, shows Sheba’s nurturing side and awareness of individual identity. Overall, the closet scene symbolizes control, creativity, and the complexities of growing into one’s personal style and confidence.

      5. How does the chapter use humor and light moments to balance the underlying tensions among the characters?

      Answer:
      Humor and lighthearted moments are woven throughout the chapter to offset tensions related to age restrictions, sibling dynamics, and social expectations. For example, Sophie’s comment about not liking orange or chiffon, and the playful “fashion show” to pick an outfit, inject levity into what could be a stressful situation. Elise’s muttered remark about Sheba bleeding “like the rest of us” and Sophie almost spitting wine creates a relatable and warm moment of solidarity among the characters. These humorous interactions soften the seriousness of Sophie’s desire to break rules and the subtle exclusion Elise feels. The laughter during the dressing and the casual banter around wine and pasta establish a tone of camaraderie and resilience, making the characters’ relationships feel genuine and multidimensional.

    Quotes

    • 1. “I’m making cacio e pepe,” Sheba announces as Elise enters. She and Sophie are in matching pinstripe aprons.

      This quote sets the scene for the chapter, highlighting the intimate, domestic atmosphere and the bond between the characters as they prepare a meal together. It introduces the theme of shared moments and the comfort found in simple rituals.

      2. “Remember how much fun we had going to bars when we were Sophie’s age? she says. Illegally, I might add.”

      This line captures the tension between youthful desire for freedom and the constraints imposed by age and legality. It reflects on nostalgia and the universal experience of pushing boundaries during adolescence.

      3. “We can have fun here, Elise says. Where no one will be arrested.”

      Elise’s pragmatic response contrasts with the others’ longing for adventure, underscoring the theme of safety versus risk. It also reveals character dynamics and differing attitudes towards rules and rebellion.

      4. “Sheba flips through hanger after hanger, a slow reveal of her clothes, figuratively twirling her nipple tassels as she assesses the correct outfit for Sophie.”

      This vivid description highlights Sheba’s playful confidence and the ritualistic nature of dressing up as a form of transformation and empowerment. It also symbolizes the passing of experience and style from one sister to another.

      5. “The bedside table is arranged with a Diptyque candle that has never been burned, a skinny gold lamp, and a pearl bracelet snaked across a poetry collection.”

      This detailed image encapsulates the chapter’s mood of quiet elegance and the intersection of everyday life with moments of personal significance. It subtly conveys character depth and the contrast between appearance and use, hinting at unfulfilled or paused aspects of life.

    Quotes

    1. “I’m making cacio e pepe,” Sheba announces as Elise enters. She and Sophie are in matching pinstripe aprons.

    This quote sets the scene for the chapter, highlighting the intimate, domestic atmosphere and the bond between the characters as they prepare a meal together. It introduces the theme of shared moments and the comfort found in simple rituals.

    2. “Remember how much fun we had going to bars when we were Sophie’s age? she says. Illegally, I might add.”

    This line captures the tension between youthful desire for freedom and the constraints imposed by age and legality. It reflects on nostalgia and the universal experience of pushing boundaries during adolescence.

    3. “We can have fun here, Elise says. Where no one will be arrested.”

    Elise’s pragmatic response contrasts with the others’ longing for adventure, underscoring the theme of safety versus risk. It also reveals character dynamics and differing attitudes towards rules and rebellion.

    4. “Sheba flips through hanger after hanger, a slow reveal of her clothes, figuratively twirling her nipple tassels as she assesses the correct outfit for Sophie.”

    This vivid description highlights Sheba’s playful confidence and the ritualistic nature of dressing up as a form of transformation and empowerment. It also symbolizes the passing of experience and style from one sister to another.

    5. “The bedside table is arranged with a Diptyque candle that has never been burned, a skinny gold lamp, and a pearl bracelet snaked across a poetry collection.”

    This detailed image encapsulates the chapter’s mood of quiet elegance and the intersection of everyday life with moments of personal significance. It subtly conveys character depth and the contrast between appearance and use, hinting at unfulfilled or paused aspects of life.

    FAQs

    1. How does the setting of the main house contribute to the atmosphere and dynamics of the dinner scene in Chapter 2?

    Answer:
    The main house setting plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of the dinner scene. It offers a more comfortable and sociable environment compared to the guest house, with a better sound system, cozier couches, and a larger food pantry. These elements create an inviting and relaxed ambiance that encourages intimacy and camaraderie among Sheba, Sophie, and Elise. The use of cloth napkins, a gravy boat for salad dressing, and upbeat jazz music elevates the experience, making it feel “very adult,” as Elise observes. This setting also facilitates the unfolding of relationships and plans, such as Sophie’s desire to go out and Sheba’s willingness to help her with a fake ID, highlighting the interplay of responsibility, rebellion, and sisterly support.

    2. What do Sheba’s and Sophie’s interactions reveal about their personalities and their relationship with Elise?

    Answer:
    Sheba and Sophie’s interactions reveal a dynamic mix of care, rebellion, and support. Sheba appears confident and nurturing, taking charge of cooking and offering solutions like the fake ID and wig to help Sophie experience nightlife despite her age. Sophie shows a desire for independence and excitement, expressing frustration with staying home and eagerness to try new things. Their playful banter and shared secrets suggest a close-knit relationship, though Elise feels somewhat excluded from their prearranged plans, indicating a subtle tension or difference in perspective. Elise’s role as the “judge” in the fashion show and her observations about their closeness emphasize her position as an observer and sometimes outsider, which adds depth to the group’s dynamic.

    3. How does the chapter explore the theme of growing up and the transition from adolescence to adulthood?

    Answer:
    The chapter explores growing up through the characters’ actions and conversations about age, responsibility, and freedom. Sophie’s eagerness to go to bars despite being underage represents the tension between adolescence and the desire for adult experiences. Sheba’s willingness to provide a fake ID and a wig to help Sophie navigate this transition shows a protective but enabling older sibling role. Elise’s reflections on past times when they went out dancing and her cautious attitude contrast with Sophie’s rebelliousness, highlighting different stages and attitudes toward maturity. The setting itself—using adult dining elements and jazz music—symbolizes the allure and complexity of adulthood, making the characters’ navigation of these boundaries a central theme.

    4. In what ways does the detailed description of Sheba’s walk-in closet and clothing choices contribute to character development?

    Answer:
    The walk-in closet scene deepens our understanding of Sheba’s personality and lifestyle. The closet, once an unused office, now a luxurious space with a royal-blue sofa and mechanical clothing system, reflects Sheba’s taste for elegance and perhaps a desire to create a personal sanctuary. The variety and quality of her clothes, including silk blouses and sequins, suggest sophistication and attention to self-presentation. Her candid remark about washing underwear during her period humanizes her, balancing glamour with authenticity. The process of selecting an outfit for Sophie, with attention to Sophie’s preferences, shows Sheba’s nurturing side and awareness of individual identity. Overall, the closet scene symbolizes control, creativity, and the complexities of growing into one’s personal style and confidence.

    5. How does the chapter use humor and light moments to balance the underlying tensions among the characters?

    Answer:
    Humor and lighthearted moments are woven throughout the chapter to offset tensions related to age restrictions, sibling dynamics, and social expectations. For example, Sophie’s comment about not liking orange or chiffon, and the playful “fashion show” to pick an outfit, inject levity into what could be a stressful situation. Elise’s muttered remark about Sheba bleeding “like the rest of us” and Sophie almost spitting wine creates a relatable and warm moment of solidarity among the characters. These humorous interactions soften the seriousness of Sophie’s desire to break rules and the subtle exclusion Elise feels. The laughter during the dressing and the casual banter around wine and pasta establish a tone of camaraderie and resilience, making the characters’ relationships feel genuine and multidimensional.

    Note